sadly, past personal and medical problems caused conflict during my first year of school leaving me with a gpa of 3.3 i still want to become a neuropsychologist, but frankly does this kill my chances of getting into a good graduate school?
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bad gpa?
- Thread starter ramzax
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It's getting more competitive every year, like everything else, but I don't think this kills you. If you are feeling a bit down about it, maybe explain in a couple of sentences the reason for your low GPA the first year, or have your recommenders do it for you.
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well i'm not entirely screwed. i'm a second year now for one reason. so hopefully i can raise it.
I mentioned this in a previous post somewhere, but many programs place particular (some even exclusive) emphasis on the GPA of your junior and senior years realizing that not every 18- and 19-year-old has the maturity to excel in college fresh out of high school. After all, you'd expect that psychology programs would best understand normal developmental changes.
If your last 60 credits are much stronger than the first 60, this is something to take note of in your application; that is, if you're still feeling defensive about your GPA. Also, your last 60 credits will, naturally, have more upper level courses which will demonstrate your ability to handle graduate level work.
You might also investigate taking a few graduate level courses while you're still an undergraduate. Many schools will allow you to do this with permission. If you're good at math, knocking out a few grad level statistics courses would look impressive plus you could transfer the credits which would lighten your load once you start up.
Another plus in your favor: you're a guy (right?). Have you noticed the male:female ratio of grad psych students? I think it's as high as 75% female. Many more women than men apply. If you aren't already a member of a minority population, by virtue of your gender you will be when you apply.
Assuming your numbers are at least competitive, the most compelling part of your application will be your personal statement. If by the time you apply you're fortunate to have identified specific areas of interest and a strong vision of what you want to do and how you're going to achieve your ambitions, you will be WAY ahead of the curve. It's the narrative, stupid! Make sure you smell like a winner (but be humble).
mmm, that is very good to know Psiko! thanks, i'm curious though, in your undergrad years, I know that the usual requirements for an undergrad major in psych are just a few psych classes, and a research and statistics class. However, do you think that most grad schools look well on those who take seperate statistic classes for example? sociology? etc. I looked online for sample schedules, but most of them said a degree in Psych would be good enough, but you never know what's going on in the back of their minds.
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I think taking extra stats classes could help, provided you do well in them. I'd recommend taking the grad course in your last year rather than undergrad courses in other departments. But only if you like the course and think you'd do well.
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I think a good rule of thumb is to make sure that all of your other areas are very strong. You will miss out on the elite programs (most likely), but you still can get into a good program if you have a strong overall application. Definately write a line or two about the medical complications (nothing too specific, but mention it had an influence, but you have since brought up your GPA, etc).
-p
-p
